Life Link Event

We believe that connecting with others and doing your faith in a small community of people is vital to your spiritual growth. That is why we divide our church up into many small groups which meet throughout the week to learn, pray, and do life together. We call these groups Life Groups.

In September we host an event called Life Link in which many of the groups are formed for the upcoming year. Here are a list of frequently asked questions that will help you better understand how this event is run and how you can engage in a Life Group.

Next Scheduled Event:

September 18, 2016 – 6:30 p.m. @ Rhema

What is Life Link?

Life Link is a Sunday evening event where you can join a small group (called Life Groups). The event will start with a short information session, followed by 15 minutes to walk around and talk to some of the leaders. There will be Life Group leaders at tables around the perimeter of the gym and you will have an opportunity to search for a group that works for you. The group you choose may be determined by: location, night of the week, focus of the group, or maybe just meeting new people. After this we will open up the sign up period and you can officially register with the group of your choosing before the event concludes.

How long will the Life Link event be?

The actual event will start at 6:30 pm and end around 8 pm. If you have children we ask that you arrive by 5:45 to ensure they’re checked in and you do not miss anything.

Will there be childcare available? If so, what ages?

Yes. There will be a self-serve nursery environment and a large group environment for children aged 2-10.

What about my group from last year … I thought we were staying together?

Most groups from last year will not be staying together (at least not in their entirety). There may be a few exceptions due to location. We want to encourage people to change it up. That does not mean that you can’t sign up together with someone from your last small group that you connected with.

Can I sign up for a life group in advance?

Yes, but only if you cannot be at the Life Link Event. Important note: you will not be able to choose your own Life Group if you do not attend the event.

What if I cannot be at the event? Can I still be in a life group?

Yes, you can still be in a Life Group. Those individuals / families that cannot make the event will be placed in a group by our life group directors (like previous years). This means you may be added to a group that isn’t full or a new group will be formed if necessary. We’ll figure it out 🙂

I am an introvert and events like this scare me … will I be on my own?

No, we would never do that! We understand that events like this can be scary and intimidating. We will have volunteers and staff available to help you find the right group during the Life Link event. They will be able to make some recommendations and introduce you to people that might be a good fit for you.

Can I attend the event with a friend and sign up together?

Yes, you can. We want you to be in a group where you are comfortable while being challenged and stretched. We will actively discourage people from orchestrating a small group entirely composed of their friends as it goes against the purpose of our Life Groups. We believe that forming new relationships is an important aspect of spiritual growth. Look for a group on your own or with a friend, but please remember that finding the best fit for you is the main objective. Sign up for a group that you can consistently attend, with a leader(s) you can connect with, and you will be making strides towards a good Life Group experience.

How many people will be in a Life Group?

The number of group members will vary from group to group. Our aim is to have most groups around 10 adults although some groups may have more or less (this will be at the leader’s discretion). Please keep in mind that there will be additional people who cannot make it to the event who will be added into groups as necessary.

Will the Life Groups have a particular focus? If so, how will I know what they are?

Some of our Life Groups will have a specific focus, others will not. They will generally start off with a few weeks of group setup, getting to know each other, and then move on to sermon based materials or other curriculum. If a Life Group leader has a specific focus in mind for the group (ie: parenting, marriage) it will be clearly noted on the night of Life Link.

Will there be any groups formed by stage of life?

We are presently preparing for a young adults group aimed at those in their late teens and 20’s (post high school). We don’t have any other stage of life groups in the works at this time.

What if I sign up for a group and no one else does? Does that mean I smell?

Maybe, but more than likely there are other determining factors such as availability, group size, etc. If this is the case or there aren’t enough people to accommodate all the leaders we have there we will simply move those people into another group that has room or if you join a group there is likely already a leader and assistant so you’ll never be alone and the group will likely be filled out with those that couldn’t make the event.

Is there anything I can do in preparation for the event?

There are a number of things you can do in preparation for this event:

Consider what you’re looking for in a group.

If you are married, talk to your spouse about it before attending if possible.

Figure out which nights of the week will work best for you.

Decide how you will handle childcare (Will you bring your child or get a sitter?)

Finally we would suggest that you come with an attitude of making whatever happens work. You may not end up with the leader you want. Your friend may not be able to do the same night as you. We are confident that whatever group you end up in will be filled with great people.

Can I invite a friend into my Life Group after it is formed?

As a general rule, No. We have closed group policy at Pathway Church because it allows us to develop trust and confidentiality, which are integral to building community. That being said, if a group has space, and everyone presently in the group is on board with the addition, we would certainly make an exception.

What happens if I hate my group?

First, we would ask you to please give it a chance. We believe that God is smarter than us, and bigger than us, and can make things work way better than we could ever imagine. That being said, if after the first 8 weeks of Life Groups you simply cannot continue, we will provide an opportunity to exit your group at that time.

Do I have to pay money to join a Life Group?

No! It’s far more valuable than anything you can afford, so we have decided not to charge anything. Kidding of course – there is no charge to be in Life Groups. You may be required to purchase a booklet or two depending on the curriculum the group selects. Most of these cost less than $10 and will only be required on occasion.

For more information about our Life Link event or about Life Groups is general – Please contact todd@pathwaylife.com